Friday night...
After a busy and stressful week, it was great to have a warm-ish evening and a long day on Friday. R and I made the most of it with a walk along the seafront at Tankerton, near Whitstable. We could clearly see the Isle of Sheppey and just in the background across the expanse of Thames water, was Southend.
Our gentle stroll ended in The Marine Hotel for a cool drink...
Wow! What a change! The last time I entered the Marine, it was like stepping back in time. Everything looked a little jaded, but it was still well-renowned and always well supported by locals and tourists. It's position, overlooking the estuary, is a big plus.
Last night the place had changed beyond recognition, and brought slap, bang into the twenty-teens. Modern but classic decor; luxurious fittings; well thought out and designed. We found the bar through from the open and inviting reception area, and after one drink outside, watching the evening go by, we decided to eat from the bar menu.
We sat in armchairs in a bay window, again overlooking the sea. There was no more ordering at the bar, it was waitress service - luxury! I was intrigued by the choice of colours they had used in the decor, noticing the taupe ceiling and navy walls - how I would have liked to have a room like this!
Full of all things sea related, like the frames of sailing photos, and yet so simply displayed (note the driftwod sculpture over the mantlepiece). The frames were a great idea - small picture filled frames, framed by a large one hung from the dado rail - I'd like to use that at home somehow...
I was suitable impressed (as you can probably tell!). I have to say, the service was a bit slow last night, but there was a function and a full restaurant for the kitchen to deal with as well - perhaps the new decor has brought with it a stream of new guests. The waitresses were attentive, and, of course, the company was good so it didn't really matter!
The food was great - so much so, that I dived in and forgot to take a photo of my "kiln smoked salmon salad with egg, pomegranate and chicory". It took a while to choose, and I think I already know what I would like next time!
So, a fruitful walk, I think, and a perfect de-stress too! Perhaps this should happen every Friday!! ;-)
Check it out at: http://www.marinewhitstable.co.uk/
Our gentle stroll ended in The Marine Hotel for a cool drink...
Wow! What a change! The last time I entered the Marine, it was like stepping back in time. Everything looked a little jaded, but it was still well-renowned and always well supported by locals and tourists. It's position, overlooking the estuary, is a big plus.
Last night the place had changed beyond recognition, and brought slap, bang into the twenty-teens. Modern but classic decor; luxurious fittings; well thought out and designed. We found the bar through from the open and inviting reception area, and after one drink outside, watching the evening go by, we decided to eat from the bar menu.
We sat in armchairs in a bay window, again overlooking the sea. There was no more ordering at the bar, it was waitress service - luxury! I was intrigued by the choice of colours they had used in the decor, noticing the taupe ceiling and navy walls - how I would have liked to have a room like this!
Full of all things sea related, like the frames of sailing photos, and yet so simply displayed (note the driftwod sculpture over the mantlepiece). The frames were a great idea - small picture filled frames, framed by a large one hung from the dado rail - I'd like to use that at home somehow...
I was suitable impressed (as you can probably tell!). I have to say, the service was a bit slow last night, but there was a function and a full restaurant for the kitchen to deal with as well - perhaps the new decor has brought with it a stream of new guests. The waitresses were attentive, and, of course, the company was good so it didn't really matter!
The food was great - so much so, that I dived in and forgot to take a photo of my "kiln smoked salmon salad with egg, pomegranate and chicory". It took a while to choose, and I think I already know what I would like next time!
So, a fruitful walk, I think, and a perfect de-stress too! Perhaps this should happen every Friday!! ;-)
Check it out at: http://www.marinewhitstable.co.uk/
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